LED stands for “light emitting diode” and is a semiconductor device with solid-state components and no moving parts which converts electricity directly into light. LEDs have been used since the 1960’s in a variety of electronic and other applications and have become increasingly popular for general illumination needs because they offer high efficiency and durability, with minimal maintenance requirements. LEDs offer a solution with significant performance, economic and environmental advantages over other lighting technologies. We are not an LED manufacturer, but we do strongly prefer funding LED technology for the following reasons:
Improved Energy Efficiency: LED lights are 30-80% more energy efficient than other lighting technologies, resulting in drastically lower energy bills.

Greater Reliability and Durability: LED lights generally last for a period of 12 to 25 years, depending on type, manufacturer and other factors and are vibration, impact and vandalism resistant. As a result, LED lights cost very little to maintain in comparison to other lighting technologies.

Environmentally Friendly: LED lights contain no mercury, lead, or other known disposal or breakage safety hazards. In addition, because  they are more energy efficient, LED lights have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional lighting technologies.

High Lighting Quality: LED lights are available at high color renderings, high color temperatures, and high lumens per watt. In addition, LEDs can be more flexibly directed and controlled and can be turned on instantly. These features provide superior lighting quality which can be deployed more precisely than traditional lighting technologies.

Specific Advantages Include:
  • Drastically Reduced Maintenance and Operating Costs – due to the durable nature of solid state lighting components and the long life, there is very little ongoing maintenance after installation. This translates in many levels and layers of operational efficiencies, e.g., equipment, bucket trucks, fuel, labor, management, etc;
  • Reduced Emissions of Greenhouse Gases – one LED street light reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 0.6 tonnes per year versus conventional lights;
  • Better Directional Lighting – LED’s are more flexibly directed and controlled, resulting in less light pollution;
  • Instant “On” with No Re-strike Delays – unlike many other lighting technologies, LED lights start instantly;
  • Vibration, Impact and Vandalism Resistant Mean Fewer Outages – solid state lighting means almost no breakage from impact, resulting in fewer outages and less susceptibility to vandalism.  Fewer light outages promotes a safer environment, reduced crime, enhanced productivity and property values. 
  • Environmentally Friendly and Safe Handling – LEDs contain no mercury, lead or other known disposal or breakage safety hazards.  LED's also emit relatively little heat versus other technology, so the proximate environment is not artificially heated unnecessarily;
  • Increased Sense of Safety – White lights are perceived as brighter and producing better visibility, which often leads to an increased sense of safety;
  • Energy Efficient Dimming and Better Controls – Perfect for dimming. Complementary control systems and sensors enable centrally controlled lights.
    Some examples include:
– lower lighting output from utilizing vacancy sensors adds additional energy        savings
– 911 dispatch can centrally trigger public safety flashings of the street light
   closest to the location where emergency vehicles need to go;
– flashing lights city wide or in different sectors can signal disaster or other
   public warnings;
– increased brightness can help recover lost persons at night or apprehend
   persons sought by law enforcement.
  • Easy Installation – even street lights can be retrofitted in 20 minutes or less;
  • Less Energy Spent on Air Conditioning – the lack of heat from LEDs can reduce the required size and cost of A/C equipment and also reduce the energy required to cool spaces when compared with other more typical lamps that generate more waste heat.   The cool burning LED's translates into more money saved through the significant reduction in space air conditioning bills and reduction in needed space air cooling equipment sizes;
  • Light for Remote Areas – because of the low power requirement for LEDs, using solar panels with LED’s in certain situations is more practical and less expensive than running an electric line or using a generator for lighting;
  • Full Range of Color Temperatures – LEDs are available in a range of color temperatures, including white, warm white, red, blue, yellow and so on;
  • Design Flexibility – The small size of LEDs is very conducive to a flexible range of lighting designs.
A commitment to LED lighting will allow your organization to improve the quality of the lighting it provides, reduce its impact on the environment, and realize significant cost savings through reductions in energy usage and maintenance activities.